Color Outside
The Lines

Hi! My name is Elinor, and I am one of the writers for Color Outside the Lines this year. My first article is focusing on abstract art. Abstract art is a style of visual art where the artist does not attempt to make their art realistic or recognizable–instead, abstract paintings often feature basic symbols, shapes, and colors.

The word “abstract” itself means “relating to or involving general ideas or qualities rather than an actual object, person, etc.” (merriam-webster.com) When this word is applied to art, it can represent something that has been simplified. Abstract art is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, and since then, many artists have tried it, causing it to evolve into different styles. These styles include geometric abstraction, which involves basic shapes arranged to look symmetrical and balanced; lyrical abstraction, which can be recognized by soft, curvy lines rather than straight ones; and minimalism, which uses simple designs to make the painting feel calm. Other abstract art styles include color field painting, action painting, cubism, and more.

Over the years, many paintings in this style have been created, with some being more well-known than others. Among the most famous abstract paintings are Mountains and Sea by Helen Frankenthaler, Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock, and many paintings by Piet Mondrian.But what is the idea behind abstract art, and why do people enjoy such a simple art form? Many people appreciate it because of the beautiful effects, but others have different views about the idea of abstract art. According to Tate, an art gallery and education organization, “...others have proposed that art can or should be like music, in that just as music is patterns of sound, art’s effects should be created by pure patterns of color, form, and line.” (tate.org.uk) This quote demonstrates a new idea that we appreciate abstract art because of its simplicity rather than its use of real objects.

In conclusion, abstract art is a famous visual art form that shifts away from depicting real-world objects and people and instead uses scattered colors, shapes, and lines to create art.

Sources:

tate.org.uk : Abstract Art,

merriam-webster.com : Abstract, artzolo.com : Guide to Recognizing Abstract Art Types,

theartling.com : Famous Abstract Art.